Part One
At first glance the Concept XR comes across as “tacticool”, however, this updated Brocock PCP is more than that. New for 2020, this British-made air rifle is a modified bullpup design. The name “Concept” comes from its modular platform capability and the modifications that the end user can easily adapt to this handy, lightweight and powerful PCP.
Updates that make this new for 2020 include replacement of a bolt-action with a side-lever cocking mechanism, a new floating hammer mated to a HUMA regulator and 150cc air reservoir for weight reduction, putting this whole package at around 6.5 pounds without optics. The black anodized receiver is machined from a solid billet of aircraft aluminum and houses a power adjustment knob on the right side. A 10-round rotary magazine is inserted from the left side between two 2.75-inch long 11mm dovetail rails. Because the magazine sits about one-half inch above the rails, a riser rail is provided and mounted in front of the magazine opening in the receiver, providing multiple optics mounting options. Besides the obligatory collapsible stock (having six stops), there are three picatinny rail sections mounted at the three, six and nine o’clock positions and an AK-47-style grip. Of course, the furniture can be swapped out for after-market parts at the owner’s discretion.
The barrel on the Concept XR is 17 inches long and of German manufacture. The bore is slightly choked and I understand it has a “precision finish” to it. The barrel is free-floating as well as shrouded. The muzzle is threaded in case additional suppression is desired and a thread protector is included. Under the barrel resides a 150cc air reservoir with a manometer built into the front. The reservoir is filled to 200 bar (2900psi) using a brass probe. A rotating collar keeps debris out of the fill port.
The Concept XR’s trigger is a curved, smooth faced style and two-stage, user adjustable. Factory set for what is considered optimal for a clean break and safety, the sample gun trigger broke at an average 2 pounds, 1.6 ounces and was very crisp and clean. The safety is a small paddle located directly in front of the trigger so it is easy to disengage with the trigger finger.
My sample rifle arrived without optics or a suppressor, so I outfitted it with an MTC Mamba Lite 4-16x42mm illuminated reticle scope on Sports Match medium rings. I also installed a DonnyFL suppressor to further quiet the already low report of this airgun, giving it a working weight of 8.25 pounds. The overall length with the buttstock fully extended was 36 inches without a suppressor attached.
The power adjuster on this .22 caliber model has four positions and can be switched on the fly. The full-color owner’s manual indicates diabolo pellets work best, however, with the adjustable power levels and slightly choked barrel, it will be interesting to see how it handles slugs. Magazine loading is easy and straight-forward and it is deep enough to handle longer pellets/slugs. Additionally, a single-shot tray is provided with the gun. Caution must be exercised to avoid double-feeding pellets.
Solidly built and handsome to look at, the results of how well this airgun did will be in Part Two. In the meantime, to view the Brocock lineup available from AofA, click on this link.
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